Garden City Public Schools Board of Education met during a regularly scheduled meeting on Monday, February 19, 2024. The meeting was held at the Educational Support Center Board Room, 1205 Fleming Street.
The Board recognized the Garden City High School Unified Bowling team: Karsten Nichols, Chance Orozco, Skiler Rattanakoun and Kaden Strasser who brought home the program’s first Unified Bowling State championship in the three years the sport has been sanctioned by the Kansas State High School Activities Association. Kip Nichols is the teams coach and Carady Holguin is the Assistant Coach.
The Board received a building presentation from Buffalo Jones Elementary School. The Student Council, Robotics Team Members, and Sustain Native Language Students showcased building achievements, activities, and current events for students, staff, and community stakeholders. Certified staff will report on academic and behavior data and give a brief overview of our Sustain Native Language Program.
The Board received the District Audit Report from Lewis Hooper and Dick, LLC. It was an Unmodified Auditor’s Report on the regulatory basis financial statement.
The Board received a presentation on introduction to Artificial Intelligence (AI) from Casey Wise and Tyler Gates, Instructional Tech Coordinators. They showed the Board how to help Teachers Learn How to Harness the Power of Artificial Intelligence for Teaching and Learning. Artificial intelligence is the development of computer systems or software that can perform tasks that would typically require human intelligence.
The benefits of Artificial Intelligence (AI) has the potential to transform education by improving student learning outcomes, enhancing teaching practices, and optimizing educational processes. The concerns of Generative AI is that it is a relatively new technology. The content it generates could be incorrect or biased. One of the most important things the district can do is educate students about AI.
The Board received a Fastbridge Winter Data Report from Heather Stegman, Director of Instruction, and Michelle Baier, Curriculum and Instruction Coordinator. Fastbridge is the district screener, used to identify students at risk of reading difficulties. It is administered to all students PK – 12 three times per year, fall, winter, and spring. The presentation summarized the winter data as well as student progress between the fall and winter screenings.
The Board received information on the 2024-25 school calendar. The board did not take any action on this item, as it was a first read. The first day of school is proposed for Wednesday, August 14, 2024. The Board received information on the Public School Works Contract. The board approved the contract as presented. There was a safety and security update presented to the Board, which was also a first read. They received a Long Range Facilities update from Shane Faurot, Director of Plant Facilities and Colleen Drees, Chief Financial Officer. The board did not take any action on this item, as it was a first read.
They approved the following items during the meeting. They include: Minutes of the February 5, 2024, regular meeting; and Certified and Classified Personnel actions.
The Board held two executive sessions after the completion of all other business. The first executive session was for preliminary discussion relating to the acquisition of real property. The second was for personnel matters for non-elected personnel. No action was taken at the end of each of the executive sessions.
The next regularly scheduled meeting of the Board of Education will be Monday, March 4, 2024, at 6:00 p.m. in the Board Room at the Educational Support Center, 1205 Fleming Street.
The complete agenda can be found here.
The Board of Education meeting can be viewed here.